The Basic Process for Changing Your Name in Missouri

To legally change your name in Missouri, you file a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live, pay a filing fee, and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from filing to receiving your new court order. You do not need a lawyer, though you can hire one if you prefer.

Missouri allows name changes for most reasons — you can change to any name you choose as long as the court does not believe you are doing it to commit fraud or evade the law. The court will ask why you want the change, but "I prefer this name" is a valid reason. The judge almost always approves straightforward requests.

After the court approves your change, you receive a certified copy of the court order. You then use that order to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Missouri Department of Revenue (for your driver's license), and any other agencies or institutions that have your records.

Key Takeaways

  • You file your petition in the circuit court of the county where you currently live, not in a state office.
  • The filing fee is typically $150 to $200, depending on your county, and you pay it when you submit your petition.
  • You must attend a hearing, but it usually lasts only a few minutes and the judge approves most requests without delay.
  • After the court approves your change, you must update your name with Social Security and the Missouri Department of Revenue separately using your certified court order.
  • The entire process from filing to receiving your court order usually takes four to six weeks.

Where to File and What Documents You Need

You file your petition at the circuit court in the county where you live. Find the correct courthouse by searching "[your county name] Missouri circuit court" online — each county has one main courthouse, though some larger counties have multiple locations. Call the clerk's office and ask for the family law or civil division; they handle name change petitions.

You will need to complete a petition form. Most Missouri circuit courts provide this form free on their website or at the courthouse. The form asks your current name, the name you want, your reason for the change, and basic information like your date of birth and address. Some courts use a standard state form; others use their own version. The clerk can tell you which one your court requires.

Bring or mail the completed petition, a copy of your government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), and the filing fee. Some courts accept payment by check or money order; others require cash or card. Call ahead to confirm what your court accepts and whether you can file by mail or must appear in person.

The Court Hearing and What to Expect

After you file, the court will schedule a hearing date and send you a notice. The hearing is usually held within two to four weeks. You must appear in person unless the court grants you permission to skip it — call the clerk if you have a genuine conflict and ask whether you can participate by phone or video.

At the hearing, you will stand before a judge for a few minutes. The judge will ask you your current name, the name you want, and why you want to change it. Answer honestly and directly. You do not need to give a detailed explanation — "I prefer this name" or "It feels more like who I am" is sufficient. The judge will almost certainly approve your petition on the spot.

Bring your photo ID and any documents you brought when you filed. If you have a lawyer, they can attend the hearing with you or sometimes appear on your behalf, depending on the judge. After the judge approves your change, the clerk will give you a certified copy of the court order — this is the document you will need to update your name everywhere else.

Updating Your Name After the Court Approves It

Once you have your certified court order, you must update your name with the Social Security Administration and the Missouri Department of Revenue. These are separate steps and neither happens automatically.

To update Social Security, visit your local Social Security office with your certified court order and a photo ID. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring the original certified court order or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. The office will process your name change and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name, usually within two weeks.

To update your driver's license or state ID, visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office with your certified court order, your current driver's license, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). You can find a location at dor.mo.gov. You will pay a small fee — usually $10 to $15 — and receive a new license with your new name. If you renew your license soon anyway, you can combine the name change with the renewal.

After updating Social Security and your driver's license, update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other organizations that have your records. You may need to provide a copy of your court order to each one. Keep several certified copies of your court order for this reason — the courthouse can provide additional copies for a small fee.

Name Changes for Minors and Special Situations

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must file the petition on your behalf. The process is the same, but both parents (or the custodial parent and the other parent if custody is shared) must consent in writing, or the filing parent must explain to the judge why the other parent's consent was not obtained. The minor usually does not need to attend the hearing, though the judge may ask them to.

If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, you can request the name change in your divorce petition itself. The judge can approve both the divorce and the name change at the same time, which saves you a separate filing fee and hearing. Talk to your divorce lawyer or the court clerk about including this in your divorce paperwork.

If you have a criminal record or outstanding warrants, a name change does not erase your record or hide it from law enforcement. The court may deny your petition if it believes you are changing your name to evade prosecution or hide from the law. Be honest with the judge about your situation.

Costs and Timeline

The filing fee ranges from $150 to $200 depending on your county. Some counties charge less; a few charge more. Call your circuit court clerk to confirm the exact fee for your county. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a request for fee waiver — the clerk can provide this form.

The timeline from filing to receiving your court order is usually four to six weeks. This includes time for the court to schedule your hearing (typically two to four weeks after filing) and time for the clerk to prepare your certified court order after the judge approves it (usually one to two weeks). If your court is backlogged, it may take longer.

After you receive your court order, updating your name with Social Security and the Department of Revenue usually takes another two to four weeks total. Social Security typically processes changes within two weeks; the Department of Revenue usually issues a new license within one to two weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume the court will send you a certified copy of your order automatically. After the judge approves your change, ask the clerk how to get certified copies and whether they will mail them to you or if you must pick them up. Some courts charge a small fee per copy.

Do not try to use a photocopy of your court order to update your name with Social Security or the Department of Revenue. Both require an original certified copy with the court's seal. If you lose your copy, you can request another from the courthouse for a small fee.

Do not skip updating Social Security and your driver's license. A court order alone does not change your legal name in government records. You must complete these steps for your new name to be official everywhere.

Do not assume you need a lawyer. Most name changes are straightforward and do not require legal representation. If your situation is complicated — for example, if you have a criminal record or believe the court might deny your petition — a lawyer can help, but it is not required for a basic name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to anything I want?

Missouri law allows you to change to almost any name. The court can deny your petition only if it believes you are changing your name to commit fraud, evade the law, or harm someone. Changing to a name that sounds like a celebrity or a fictional character is allowed. If you have concerns about whether your chosen name might be denied, mention it to the judge at your hearing.

Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper?

No. Missouri does not require you to publish your name change in a newspaper. Some other states do, but Missouri does not. You only need to file in court and attend the hearing.

How many certified copies of my court order should I get?

Request at least three to five certified copies when you pick up your order from the courthouse. You will need one for Social Security, one for the Department of Revenue, and extras for your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other organizations. Additional copies cost a few dollars each, so it is cheaper to order them all at once.

Can I change my name back if I change my mind later?

Yes. If you want to change your name again for any reason, you file a new petition in circuit court and follow the same process. There is no waiting period between name changes, though courts may question why you are changing your name repeatedly.

What if I was born outside the United States?

A Missouri court order changes your legal name in Missouri and for federal purposes like Social Security. If you were born outside the United States and want to update your birth certificate, you must contact the vital records office in the country or state where you were born — a Missouri court order does not change a foreign birth certificate. However, your Missouri court order is sufficient to update your Social Security, driver's license, and most other documents in the United States.